Residents in Hamilton bid to scupper Vodafone/O2 mobile phone mast plan

Oct 28 2010 Hamilton Advertiser

VODAFONE and O2 are making their second attempt in less than a year to erect a 48ft mobile phone mast in a leafy Hamilton street.

In January, they consulted residents over proposals for a flagpole-type mast, with three antennas, next to the Avonbridge Hotel at the corner of Carlisle Road and Barncluith Road.

However, the scheme failed to progress in the wake of complaints from people living near the proposed site.

Now, however, the two companies have revived plans for a mast in the street.

A number of residents earlier this month received letters from Glasgow-based Mono Consultants concerning proposals for a 48ft mast with six antennas and an equipment cabinet.

It has been earmarked for the pavement in Carlisle Road opposite its junction with Laverock Avenue.

In the letter, planner Ginny Hall said Vodafone and O2 were seeking a suitable site in Hamilton’s Haughead area for a mast that would improve 3G coverage.

It was thought the proposed site would provide the “best solution to serve our customers in the local community”.

However, the plan has angered people in the street who believe a mast of the size proposed is unsuitable for a residential area,

Betty Glass and her husband Jim, who runs the well-known Hamilton fruit and vegetable shop, have lived in Carlisle Road for 46 years.

Mrs Glass (71) said the map supplied by Mono showed the proposed mast just yards from their home.

She added: “Countries such as Finland, New Zealand and France don’t allow masts in residential areas and I don’t see why we should be any different.

“There are concerns about the impact on health caused by these masts.

“The companies say the link between the masts and ill health has never been proved, but why should we gamble with our health.”

Mr Glass said the location could also prove hazardous to traffic or pedestrians.

“If the mast required to be repaired and staff from the companies turned up in a van, there could be problems,” added Mrs Glass.

“They would either have to park the van in the road which is on a bend or on the pavement which poses a risk to people walking by.”

Mrs Glass said residents would petition the companies and South Lanarkshire Council against the scheme if a planning application for a mast at that site was lodged.